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NEW BALANCE HAS been perfecting the balance between performance and comfort since 1906. Originally founded in Boston as an arch support company, the brand became known for its innovative three-point insole inspired by a chicken’s foot—a design that laid the groundwork for its reputation in biomechanics and foot health. Over the years, New Balance has evolved from niche orthotics to lifestyle-defining sneakers, making it one of the few athletic brands equally celebrated by marathoners, walkers, and fashion-forward city commuters alike.

Best New Balance Walking Shoes

So why are New Balance shoes particularly good for walking? Simply put, its footwear is engineered around comfort and support. From the plush Fresh Foam X midsoles to the energetic FuelCell cushioning, NB designs are tuned to absorb shock, reduce fatigue, and make long days on your feet feel easier. Even its heritage styles, like the 574, are built with stability and everyday wear in mind—blending durability with a surprisingly versatile fit. Whether you’re clocking 15,000 steps a day, walking the dog, or tackling a weekend trip with nonstop exploring, New Balance consistently offers models that put comfort and longevity first.

I average 16,000–18,000 steps a day myself, so finding shoes that hold up through everything from daily commutes to impromptu sprints to catch the train is non-negotiable. I own plenty of sneakers, but only a few pairs earn “go-to” status: The ones I trust for comfort, support, and versatility every single time. New Balance happens to deliver those qualities across multiple categories, which is why it consistently lands on my short list for walking shoes I can recommend with confidence.

What to Consider

Cushioning Technology

New Balance uses two main cushioning platforms: Fresh Foam X for plush comfort and smoother transitions, and FuelCell for responsive energy return. Your choice depends on whether you prefer cloud-like softness (great for recovery or all-day wear) or springy propulsion (ideal for commuters and fast-paced walkers).

Upper Construction

New Balance is known for its breathable engineered mesh uppers in performance models and suede/mesh blends in lifestyle classics like the 574. Its uppers are often reinforced with strategic overlays to balance flexibility with structure, so you can expect a snug, supportive feel without sacrificing airflow.

Design

Many New Balance models incorporate rocker geometries to encourage forward momentum during walking, while others focus on flat, grippy outsoles for stability. Depending on whether you’re walking city streets, light trails, or spending hours on hard floors, the outsole design can make a huge difference in comfort and durability.

Function

Think about how and where you’ll be wearing the shoes. Do you need something for long shifts on your feet? City walking? Easy hikes? The best walking shoes aren’t always the flashiest—they’re the ones that match your day-to-day lifestyle and feel just as good in hour five as they did in hour one.

New Balance is also one of the rare brands that consistently offers wide sizing across most of its models. That means if you need a roomier toe box or a tailored fit, NB likely has you covered. Think about whether you need a shoe for all-day standing, extended walking tours, or versatile wear that can flex between casual outings and light workouts—the function should align with your daily lifestyle.

How We Selected

I’m a certified strength coach based in New York City, a fitness writer, and an avid runner who logs plenty of miles (with a lot of bonus walking thanks to my 5-year-old golden doodle). I test footwear constantly—for myself, for clients, and for readers who want reliable, real-world recommendations.

For this guide, I teamed up with the editors at Men’s Health, including Fitness and Commerce Editor Charles Thorp, NASM, to evaluate some of New Balance’s best walking shoes. We looked at comfort, durability, style, and value—along with input from testers who wore these shoes for everything from daily commutes to travel to long days on their feet.

The 574 Core is the quintessential New Balance sneaker—clean, versatile, and timeless. Originally designed as a performance running shoe in the late '80s, it's evolved into one of the most recognizable lifestyle sneakers around. With its mix of suede and mesh materials and a classic silhouette, it’s a go-to for anyone who wants a reliable, stylish shoe they can dress up or down.

Don’t expect max-cushioned support or cutting-edge tech here—this shoe shines in casual environments. Its EVA foam midsole and ENCAP cushioning provide just enough comfort for long days on your feet, whether you’re city-walking, grabbing coffee, or heading into the office. While it may not be your pick for workouts or high-impact movement, it’s an ideal everyday companion that nails that effortless “cool and comfy” balance.x`

If you're clocking serious steps daily—or just want plush, underfoot comfort—the 1080 v14 should be at the top of your list. This is New Balance’s flagship running shoe, but its soft Fresh Foam X midsole and rocker design make it just as valuable for long walks and recovery days. It’s also been awarded the Seal of Acceptance from the American Podiatric Medical Association (APMA), which gives it even more credibility as a go-to comfort pick.

The newest version features a triple jacquard mesh upper that improves breathability in key zones while maintaining the structured fit. Combined with a lower 6mm heel-to-toe drop and a smooth rocker profile, each step feels stable, cushioned, and natural. It’s not the lightest or most responsive shoe in the lineup, but for logging high mileage on your feet, the 1080v14 gets the job done comfortably and consistently.